You are expected to check the class web page on a regular basis (at least weekly).

A hands-on introduction to operating systems, including topics in: multiprogramming, communication and synchronization, memory management, IO subsystems, and resource scheduling polices. The laboratory component consists of constructing a small kernel, including functions for device IO, multi-tasking, and memory management.

An in-depth understanding of how an operating system manages resources in a computer and provides programmers with a machine and device independent interface. The emphasis of this class will be on operating system concepts. Running examples will be drawn from contemporary OS’s including UNIX and Windows (NT and 95).

Prerequisites: CMSC 311, CMSC 330

• Introduction to Operating Systems (1 week)
• Concurrent Processes (2 weeks)
• Kernel implementation techniques (1 week)
• CPU scheduling (1 week)
• Memory Management (2 weeks)
• File and I/O Systems (2 weeks)
• Security and Protection (1 week)
• Networking and Distributed Systems (2 weeks)
• Objects and Naming (1 week)
• Window and Display Services (1 week)

Operating System Concepts 4^th Edition, Siberschatz and Galvin, Addison-Wesley 1994.

Understanding operating system concepts is a hands-on activity. This class will include several substantial programming projects that will require students to read and understand provided code, write new modules, and debug the resulting system. The programming assignments will be time consuming and students taking this class should plan their class schedules accordingly.

The instructor reserves the right to fail, regardless of overall numeric score, students who do not submit a good faith attempt to complete all programming assignments.

Midterm #1 - March 10 in class

Midterm #2 - April 21 in class

Final - ???

Re-grade policy. All requests to change grading of homework, programming projects, or exams must be submitted in writing (typed) within one week of when the assignment was made available for pickup. Requests must be specific and explain why you feel your answer deserves additional credit. A request to re-grade an assignment can result in the entire assignment being re-evaluated and as a result the score of any part of the assignment may be increased or lowered as appropriate.

All work that you submit in this course must be your own; unauthorized group efforts will be considered academic dishonesty. See the Undergraduate Catalog for definitions and sanctions. Academic dishonesty is a serious offense that may result in suspension or expulsion from the University. In addition to any other action taken, the grade "XF" denoting "failure due to academic dishonesty" will normally be recorded on the transcripts of students found responsible for acts of academic dishonesty. Sharing of code on programming assignments is a form of academic dishonesty.

Late Policy:

No late homework or programming assignments will be accepted. If you are unable to complete a programming assignment due to illness or family emergency, please see Dr. Hollingsworth as soon as possible to make special arrangements.

I am happy to answer questions during office hours, and by email. However, office hours and email are not intended as a replacement for lecture. As a result, I will only see people during office hours or respond to your email if you regularly attend class.